This area is almost always in need of rain (then again everything is adapted to dry living with this being a pretty desert-like area). However the rain has ruined my plans for the day, including a morning lesson! It's also been responsible for canceling a local show I was hoping on seeing a little of.

So here I am, bored but curious and wondering what others do with their horses when it's raining.

I know some people that ride in light rain and I have no issues with riding in a little drizzle, but then a concern is footing for the horses. Do you ride/drive in the rain, right after it rains, or wait for it to dry?

Some horses stay in pasture year round, some don't. Do you bring your horses in if rains? Is covering a horse in heavy rain ever necessary?

If you have any other comments or advice about raining and horse care/riding, please offer it for someone still learning like me!

I've ridden in shows in pouring down rain. However, it had previously been a really dry, hot day and the horses appreciated the coolness. If its only going to be a few showers/thunderstorms they stay out. If its going to be a steady rainy day they come in. If it's hot out they seem to appreciate the rain, a few of them just heave a big sigh and stand there with their leg cocked like 'ahhh relief'. Some are wimpy and stand at the gate.Posted via Mobile Device

It's raining here today too. I'll probably go for a ride this afternoon in the rain. I have my NEW oilskin drove coat from MDH that needs to be tested!

My horse right now is out in her paddock that doesn't have any shelter. She was in a paddock that had shelter, but she was out grazing, so I figured she didn't care. When she wants in, she will stand at the gate to tell me. Then I'll move her to where she can have shelter. I never blanket, except in case of illness.

As long as there is no lightning, or severe wind, I ride in the rain. The only time I put blankets on is if it's cold and raining, and then only if I need to. If all the horses are standing hiddled up, they'll be fine, but if one is off by itself, it's usually a shivering mess. I'll bring that one in the barn and dry it, then throw on a waterproof turnout and send the horse back outside.

The only time I keep one inside is if it's sick.Posted via Mobile Device

If your horse doesn't have a run-in, do what you're doing now and just ask the question

No horse of my own yet, but I'm definitely keeping everything everyone has said in mind for future reference (and to search for a boarding place with a indoor/covered arena when I do get a horse... back home it rains quite a bit)!

I come from the land of Rain; Seattle. We cannot stop doing things just 'cause of rain or we'd never do anything. If the rain is heavy , I don't ride, but light rain is no issue. Shows go on no matter the rain, but we have the kind of footing in the arena that is not affected much. (sand with shredded rubber).

Actually, we have had 49 consequetive days without rain, and today will be 50. Near record breaking for this area.

Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the The Horse Forum forums, you must first register.

Already have a Horse Forum account?
Members are allowed only one account per person at the Horse Forum, so if you've made an account here in the past you'll need to continue using that account. Please do not create a new account or you may lose access to the Horse Forum. If you need help recovering your existing account, please Contact Us. We'll be glad to help!

New to the Horse Forum?Please choose a username you will be satisfied with using for the duration of your membership at the Horse Forum. We do not change members' usernames upon request because that would make it difficult for everyone to keep track of who is who on the forum. For that reason, please do not incorporate your horse's name into your username so that you are not stuck with a username related to a horse you may no longer have some day, or use any other username you may no longer identify with or care for in the future.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.

Password:

Confirm Password:

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address for yourself.

Email Address:

Log-in

User Name

Remember Me?

Password

Human Verification

In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.

Old Thread Warning

This thread is more than 90 days old. When a thread is this old, it is often better to start a new thread rather than post to it. However, If you feel you have something of value to add to this particular thread, you can do so by checking the box below before submitting your post.I am aware that this is an old thread and I want to revive it rather than starting a new thread.